The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Thursday September 7, 2023 revealed plans to resume his official duties.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, said in a statement on Friday September 8.
Olatunde said Akeredolu returned to Ibadan after an extended medical vacation in Germany after transmitting his duties to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa who has been acting Governor of the State, while his principal was on vacation.
The ailing Governor directed his deputy to step down from his position as acting Governor at a meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital where he handed over his resumption letter to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Olamide Oladeji
He also provided a copy to Mr Aiyedatiwa, who was in attendance at the meeting, according to the statement, was attended by members of the State Executive Council and National Assembly.
Other members; led by Senator Jide Ipinsagba and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Working Committee, led by the Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin.
Youth groups, led by the Ondo APC Youth Leader, Comrade Olawande Ayo Wisdom; Former Local Government Chairmen, led by Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe ; and members of the Foundation of Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO) also attended the meeting.
The wife of the Governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, also joined the Governor to receive the FOWOSO members, the statement said.
Akeredolu was quoted as saying that: ”I came back yesterday, and as you know, it was a long journey. I decided that I must meet with you today. God has answered our prayers, and we give Him all the glory.
“I can assure you that our return is to the glory of God and the prayers of all of you here, and those who wished us well, I thank you very much. God has done what the majority of our people wanted. Majority of our people here knelt down and prayed for our return, and we have returned.
“So, because we had to land here in Ibadan first, I said I have to meet with House of Assembly members here. We are here, and we are back. I am back, and by the grace of God, I will be alive to complete my full tenure in office.
“I want to tell you that I am back, and I will resume work immediately. This is my letter of resumption”, Akeredolu said.
The statement further said State House of Assembly Speaker who on behalf of the lawmakers, expressed gratitude for the safe return of the Governor, stating that the Governor’s return to the Country is a prayer answered.
Recall that rumours of the ailing Governor’s death was rife few days ago before his wife, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, shared Akeredolu photo in an aircraft while on his way to Nigeria via her Facebook page on Thursday.
TheNewspad reports that the Stakeholders meeting that was convened at the instance of the Government outside Ondo State has raised questions by Nigerians about Akeredolu’s health.
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